Gauchos Sweep Tritons

UCSB got off to an ideal start to conference play Friday night in San Diego, beating the Tritons in straight sets, 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-21). The win brings the Gauchos' record to 1-0 (3-1).

UC San Diego was coming off of an unexpected upset over preseason No. 2 ranked UC Irvine, but the Tritons were unable to hold off the Gauchos' attack. Senior outside hitter Jeff Menzel and senior opposite Cullen Irons each finished with a team-leading 12 kills. UCSB played a particularly strong team game, as four Gauchos finished with at least 8 kills.

Sophomore middle blocker Dylan Davis racked up 8 kills, and senior middle blocker Scott Slaughter turned in arguably his most impressive statistical match of the young season, recording 9 kills on a season-high .811 hitting percentage along with 6 blocks, another season high.

UCSB out-blocked UC San Diego 9-3 and also held them to a .194 hitting percentage for the match, including a .103 percentage in the decisive third set.

The Gauchos immediately hit the road for a match at UC Irvine on Saturday night. The highly ranked Anteaters will surely be looking to right the ship after dropping their first conference game to the unranked Tritons.

A donation to the Gaucho Fund - regardless of the sport it supports - will be part of the One Donation is Gold system. This allows donors to purchase priority/premium seating and parking at UCSB games across several sports in addition to other benefits.

GKids is the official kids club of UCSB Athletics. Members receive a free GKids t-shirt, free admittance to tons of Gaucho games, opportunities to be ball boys and girls at games, a special birthday greeting from Olie (the GKids mascot) and much, much more! For more information on GKids, or to become a member, please click here.